Thanks Angie for the welcome on board. Me and my husband both started this week. Monday was first fast day and today is the second. We’ve rejoined the gym too and are going three times a week and trying to stick to 2000 cals a day on non fast days. I’ve joined this forum as I’m hoping to get encouragement and inspiration. I’m hoping to lose around 2lb per week for the next three months as I have around a stone and a half to lose. Do you think that’s doable on this plan?

Hello just started the diet – well, into my 2nd week. Actually enjoying it – never thought I would say that. I’ve never dieted before, even though I probably should have.

I can heartily reccommend the chicken cassoulet and the beetroot and bramley apple soup – from the books – made both – definately winners that I will cook again.

I’m actually finding that I want to eat less on my non diet days, I’ve cut the crisps, cheeky sandwiches and late night fridge raids. I never thought this was possible.

It’s early days, but I can see I could do this and gain something from it. So far lost 3.5 kg – it does help that I am excercising most days,and eating a lot healthier on my non diet days.

I’m actually kinda afraid if I do give in and have a packet of crisps I won’t be able to stop myself… But this is about a new way of life for me so maybe crisps are a thing of the past.

Hi @noddydog! I am new to 5:2 (VERY new ~ 1st fast day is today!) but I know what you mean about the crisp thing – they are my total weakness! I have pretty much cut them out for the past 3 weeks and now I have started this I am worried on my Non-fast days I will go ‘Oh what the heck!’ and just eat loads…! I hope I won’t or if I do I can stick to eating them just as a treat rather than most days (like before).

Really need to get myself a copy of the recipe book as I fear I will run out of ideas quickly for meals on my fast days.

Hi Angie and all
First week done and despite going a bit overboard on takeaways at the weekend I’ve managed to lose 2lb and so has my husband. Re-read the book through the week and read lots on this forum too so I’m better prepared this week. Today is day 3 fast and I’ve had a cup of tea with milk and sugar (can’t function without that first cuppa), gym at lunchtime and hoping to go through until main meal this evening. Our plan is to do fasts Mondays and Thursdays and gym workouts Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and slowly but surely get fitter and leaner. Have found it very doable so far. Good luck to all the other newbies x

Thank you Angie. Already I’ve learned there is nothing to fear from feeling hungry – it passes. Also it makes me more aware on non-fast days that I don’t need to reach for something as soon as I feel hungry. I feel great x

Hi again Angie and all, an update from me three months on. I managed to lose 17lb, so not quite as much as I wanted but I soon realised that 2lb a week was unrealistic. I’m very happy with 17lb off as I can now fit into my holiday clothes much better and feel great. I lost 7lb in the first month but then it slowed a bit and after two months I seemed to plateau so I upped the exercise to three times a week and threw in a couple of 4:3 weeks but more as damage limitation after eating way too much after some very social weekends. I haven’t really been very strict on non fast days, have eaten as usual but I now don’t bother with breakfast and wait until I’m hungry and have just been so much more aware of what I’m eating now. I hope everyone else is doing ok and I hope this will give other newbies some encouragement. I’m off on my hols now and will restart when I get back as would like to lose another 7lbs eventually.
Best wishes
Bridge
X

Another hint for Newbies…There are probably very few questions you could ask that haven’t been discussed extensively here at some point. Looking at the topic headings under “Most Popular” could easily get you a whole thread on exactly what you are wondering about! And chiming in on them helps to keep them coming back up for the next batch of Newbies to see! I’ve been here 5 months, now, and it’s a goldmine of tips and support. GO US!

Hi Angie,
Just saw your post. I live in Broadstairs and have very similar interests and two dogs. I run the 2 lb per week goal thread, do join us?
Do you go on the NHS walks, I do the local ones from 45 mins to 2 1/2 hrs.
I am recently separated and retired but positively enjoying life and exercise. Been fasting since January but still a long way to go. 4 stone off since last year so making progress. Doing low carb and low sugar too, tough but effective.
What’s your story?